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+--- Thread: How do I get prescription from dr? (/Thread-How-do-I-get-prescription-from-dr)
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How do I get prescription from dr? - pat53 - 05-21-2015
I need a new head gear set, and to buy it online they said I need the prescription. I went to my original dr to get a copy of it and they refuse to give it to me. What can I do? I'm afraid I'm going to need a new machine too, at least I want to get one for a spare.
RE: How do I get prescription from dr? - justMongo - 05-21-2015
Ask your GP to write an Rx for the headgear.
PaulaO2 would yell, "HIPPA."
RE: How do I get prescription from dr? - OpalRose - 05-21-2015
(05-21-2015, 01:27 PM)pat53 Wrote: I need a new head gear set, and to buy it online they said I need the prescription. I went to my original dr to get a copy of it and they refuse to give it to me. What can I do? I'm afraid I'm going to need a new machine too, at least I want to get one for a spare.
Hi pat53,
How long have you been on CPAP therapy?
The only reason they would refuse to give you a copy of your original perscription is if it has been several years since you've had a sleep study. I don't know the exact rules, but I think after 5 years they would require a new sleep study, especially if you haven't been back in to see the doctor.
Your needs may have changed since your original titration.
RE: How do I get prescription from dr? - retired_guy - 05-21-2015
Do you need the entire mask, or just the headgear?
The online suppliers can sell you a complete mask without a prescription. You just have to order it in two pieces. One for the headgear, and one for the mask part itself.
RE: How do I get prescription from dr? - PaulaO2 - 05-21-2015
It's a mask, FFS!
Yeah, yell HIPPA (pronounced hip-uh). Tell them you need it for your personal records. And while you are at it, tell them you need your sleep study report, too. They'll probably say they can't give it to you or that you won't understand it. Smile at them like they are little children and say "That's okay, I want it anyway. Or perhaps the report the sleep lab sent the doctor?" since you KNOW they did not send the doc anything but a few pages worth of simple data.
The local supplier your originally got your mask has your prescription, too. Just say you want it for your personal records. That you were going through your files and realized you didn't have it. That's what I did. They probably don't have the sleep report but you can ask if they do. Say you don't feel like pushing all the buttons to get through to the right person at the doc office. In other words, lie through your teeth and be sugary sweet. You can gag later. If the sugar don't work, yell HIPPA at both of them.
Once you have the prescription and sleep report, start shopping for another sleep doc. Eventually you may need the services of one and you don't want to go back to that idiot. Even if the doctor is good, you don't have to deal with that office.
But, seriously, any doc can write it. Ask your GP, your dentist, your eye doc. I once asked our veterinarian as a joke and she was appalled we needed a prescription to get a mask. All it needs to say is "mask for CPAP use". You can even email the online supplier and ask them what it needs to say. Some suppliers have samples of that already online.
RE: How do I get prescription from dr? - Sleeprider - 05-21-2015
Regardless of what insurance may require for compensation, there is no other requirement that a sleep study be current to get a copy of any previous prescription. You are entitled to any and all medical records, including prescriptions. When I got my original equipment in 2008, a simple hand-written prescription for an auto-titrating CPAP and as-needed supplies and consumables, was sufficient to get my original equipment. I scanned that prescription, and still use it for supplies from Supplier #2. I have since gotten an updated prescription from my current primary care doctor.
Sleep apnea doesn't spontaneously go away. I have no idea what Medicare or other insurance carriers hope to accomplish by requiring additional, expensive sleep studies in order to qualify for payment of less expensive CPAP equipment and supplies. In any event, no study is needed for equipment you buy on your own dime. Work with your personal doctor, and leave the sleep specialists lie.
RE: How do I get prescription from dr? - pat53 - 05-21-2015
yeah, It has been over 10 years since my sleep study, and a couple years since I was in to see the dr. so they refuse to even sell me any parts or filters or anything.
I called the company that I'm buying the head gear from, they said they could split it up and sell it to me that way
that's good but it won't help when I go to buy a new machine. oh well.
Thanks all!
RE: How do I get prescription from dr? - pat53 - 05-21-2015
Sleeprider, yeah that's what I was thinking too, this seems a little nazi ish.
Thanks I will try my other dr.
I had insurance back when I had the sleep study, but I don't now.
RE: How do I get prescription from dr? - Terry - 05-21-2015
. . .
RE: How do I get prescription from dr? - PaulaO2 - 05-21-2015
Your GP can also write the script for the machine. Mine did. The DME accepted it and Medicare paid for it.